Slight lift, smaller areolas with minimal incisions possible? (photos)

Hi sabujohn,
The photos show that the bulk of your breast sits below the level of the fold with the breast meets the chest wall. As such, the first decision point would be if you wanted to remain the same size, with an improved shape, or be slightly smaller. In the setting of a goal smaller, a small breast reduction would allow active reshaping of the breast tissue internally, making the areola smaller, and removing the substantial amount of excess skin that you have. Alternatively, in the setting of a lift, the same maneuvers could be undertaken with the goal of keeping the breast around the same size but an improved position.
Unfortunately, both these options will produce scars, specifically a scar around the nipple, a vertical scar, and under the breast scar that you cannot see without a mirror. Given your goals of a "slight lift", it will be important to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon advance to explicitly discussed your goals, and the trade off between final breast size and shape and scarring.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Dear sabujohn,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dear Sabujohn,
Thank you for your inquiry about getting a breast lift with the goal of achieving smaller areolas and minimal scarring. Your pictures have been instrumental in assessing your situation.
Types of Breast Lifts:
There are four main types of breast lifts: Crescent, Donut, Lollipop, and Anchor.
Each type offers a progressively better lift, but also involves longer scars.
Your Specific Case:
Based on your pictures showing grade 3 breast ptosis (where the nipple hangs at the lowest portion of the breast), an Anchor or Inverted T breast lift would likely provide the best results. This involves:
A 360-degree incision around the areola.
A vertical incision from the nipple to the breast fold.
An incision along the infra-mammary crease.
Considerations for Areola Size Reduction:
Reducing the areola size necessitates a 360-degree incision around the areola. If scarring is a major concern for you, this needs to be considered carefully.
Decision Making:
It's crucial to weigh the desire for optimal lift results against the acceptance of resultant scarring. An Anchor lift would offer excellent results but with more visible scars, whereas a less invasive lift like a Peri-Areolar lift might result in less satisfactory lifting but with fewer scars.
I hope this information helps you in making an informed decision about which breast lift procedure aligns best with your goals and comfort level regarding scarring.
Please consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss these options in detail and what to realistically expect in terms of outcomes and scarring.
Wishing you the best in your decision-making process.
Sincerely,